ADA REEVE IN "ALADDIN."

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19196, 12 June 1924, Page 2

ADA REEVE IN "ALADDIN."

The opening night of the J. C. Williamson (Ltd.) pantomime has ever been regarded as a big event locally, and to-night there will no doubt he an overflowing audience to welcome tho first presentation of “Aladdin,” which is the title of this year’s extravaganza. It will be interesting to see AILs Ada Reeve in the role of Aladdin. She is piquant, versatile, and brilliant, and is said to be at her best in the role she has made essentially her own, and in which she has appeared with conspicuous success in London theatres Air George Shirlev, an English producer, in association with Miss Reeve, has prepared a delightful and wholesome succession of wonderful scenes, a feature of which is the well-known storv of the Chinese >ad and his wonderful lamp. The scenic artists and the comedians have also spread themselves largely across the entire fabric. Comedy, however, will be a predominating feature, and during the 18 scenes numerous tuneful numbers have been arranged. Of the many glittering scenes may be mentioned “The Gates of Gold,” “The Mysterious lamp,” ‘‘The Cave of Jewels,” ■ ll;e Ballet of Wealth,” “Moonlight in Shanghai". Another wonderful disclosure bv Aladdin’s magic lamp is an enormous crystal chandelier, with lovelv girls as pendant ornaments. A grand vizier, a genii of the ring in glittering gold, a princess whose gowns sparkle with gems, and a prince whose garments get more gorgeous with everv change, are some .of the dazzling personages in the entrancing story. Aladdin’s castle, too, is said to bo wonderfully beautiful. But, the crowning glory is the “Rouge ct Blanc” scene at the end, with the whole company in red, except the Princess and Aladdin in gorgeous wedding gowns of . gleaming gold and the children in white. Them is said to be splendour enough in this last scene for the whole of anv ordinary pantomime. Associated with Aliss Reeve will be Hone' Chatteris (principal girl), Tom Payne (dame). Hector St. Clair. George. Welch. Fi-ari A r on”ment, Herbert Walton. Grafton Williams. Phyllis Amery. and Kelso Henderson. and the wnrld-famows Nifos. The box plans for the Dunedin season arc open at the Bristol.